All things beauty and then some. Andrea Claire has been a hairstylist and makeup artist for 23 years now. A Canadian based in Singapore since 2007, she has appeared on Asia's Next Top Model, Yahoo Asia, Canadian Idol, So Chic and more.

There are two things that we can bank on for positive vibes in this world: weddings and babies. Not necessarily having to go together, unless you're in grade one, since according to my six year old, she's never getting married because having a baby will hurt... I'm ok for her to believe that until she's 30.

In the colder climates, like my home and native land of Canada, they are just starting to gear up for wedding season, but here in Singapore my home for now (and the past 8 years), wedding season is all year 'round, but one thing we can say: bridal beauty is global for brides and their beauty basics.

Meet Alexis (bottom left is before, right is after) whom many of you in Asia may know already and certainly know of her company:Luxola. Last year, Alexis was having a destination wedding and found that she was in the most likely position of doing her own makeup. I've done many one-on-one bridal beauty classes for brides-to-be and when Alexis asked me we thought, why not film it so you all can benefit from the tips? [which never got posted because the sound was blah proving why sound techs are important... you can still shop the look!]

Bridal beauty generally has a rule of thumb: be you, only better. Princess for a day. What comes to mind in this short description is not trendsetting runway but classic beauty. Think subtle highlights, luminous skin with some definition which was our theme here for Alexis.

*TWEEZERMAN Precision Eyelash CurlerLOVE this curler! Better than the Shu! I had great tips here. Too bad you miss out... essentially you gently squeeze & pump as you turn your wrist up towards the ceiling, this gives you a smooth curl. Don't curl after mascara and don't do one forced bend at the roots.

EDWARD BESS Ultra Slick Lipstick </p>
<p>Top right: is that a) how to keep a bridezilla quiet or b) a makeup artist trick for locking in lipstick with powder being delivered through the pores of a single tissue ply?

I've '*' my must-haves from this list as I know it can be over-whelming for the noobs. </p>
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NOTE: You aren't limited to natural looking makeup of course; smokey eyes and the bride are dramatic for sure while still remaining classic. Most professional makeup artists will recommend classic looks vs trendy because you want the timeless appeal in your photos. Those poor 80s brides... </p>
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<strong>Let's talk eyebrows. Simply, if you drew a line from the side of your nose straight up, that would be where your brow should start. Angling that line from the side of your nose through the outer edge of your iris is where your arch should be, finally if you drew a line from the side of your nose angled through your brow towards the temple, your brow should taper roughly parellel to your temple.

I hope you don't think I'm shouting at you with this bold type but eyebrow shape is very important. No need to panic. Just seek professional help for the shape that suits your eye and face shape best.

</strong> I did a little reconstruct with Angela's brows. When you've accidentally kept your tweezers hard at work it's best to hide them on yourself for a few months to allow your brows to fill back in. I used the edge of a folded tissue and a few shades of brown to reshape Angela's brows. Finally, soften the edges with a cotton swab and a highlighter to help blend.

For Angela's hair I wanted to keep some texture to her hair by blow-drying it with a volumizing spray and then I created a wet look at the roots running through Original & Mineral Rootacious. Pinning the hair at the crown keeps the hair from falling and losing that rocker chic. A slight deconstructed texture is fine as long as you make it look intentional.

Photography by

A huge thanks to our November sponsorStay tuned for our December makeovers.

Why #azMondayMakeover? Our industry does have an element of fantasy, especially when we are using 17-21 year old models in campaigns targeting the 30+ or the body types 000 to US size 6. I will never stop participating in the fantasy side of fashion and beauty but reality isn't so bad either.

Want to participate? Email me, Andrea Claire with #azMondayMakeover in the subject line. Please also attach a recent photo yourself.

Rouge Bunny Prelude in the Clouds - </strong>a multi-purpose, water-based highlighter that you can mix with moisturizer or foundation. I applied this as a step one for a lit from within glow under the foundation

Why #azMondayMakeover? Our industry does have an element of fantasy, especially when we are using 17-21 year old models in campaigns targeting the 30+ or the body types 000 to US size 6. I will never stop participating in the fantasy side of fashion and beauty but reality isn't so bad either.

Want to participate? Email me, Andrea Claire with #azMondayMakeover in the subject line. Please also attach a recent photo yourself.

This week'sazMondayMakeover is Laila who is pursuing a career in research and development with early childhood education - explains why we got along so well... I can be a little childish.[I think I called Laila 'Layla' in the video - let's just pretend it's my Canadian accent, eh! Sorry Laila!]

My rekindled love, the makeup sponge 2.O aka The Beauty Blender. What I love about this tool is that you can apply your foundation as sheer as you like or build up your coverage and it blends beautifully. Think of a rolling action versus rubbing to blend out edges and lines.

From the Zoeva 88eyeshadow palette I used a lush, matte green and bronze shades which complement each other as well as look great on Laila. The pop of green flashes as she blinks inspiring from the dress but not taking over the whole look - which can happen if you put too much focus on your eye makeup.

TIP: To intensify the colour pat it on versus a sweeping motion.

Shadow Shieldsare the notorious protectors of the undereye, saving beautiful makeup from fall out, two eyes at a time.

TIP: Use the Shadow Shields as a guide for a wing-tip liner or as a hard edge for other fun geometric makeup techniques.

I chose Julie Hewett's Nude Noirbecause it has a lovely subtle shimmer and is very hydrating. The Noir collection by Julie Hewett is one of my favourite lipstick collections - they are double pigmented and contain camellia oil which helps to heal and moisturize. In the bow of Laila's lip I used a fine liner brush and did a little highlight with this Smooch Dare to Bare duo using the lighter shade on the left - although I could have given her a bronzed 'stache for Movember...

Tip: To help prep and prime lips for a longer lasting lipstick mix a lip balm with brown sugar to exfoliate. Dr. Lipp original nipple balm for lips (and any cracked nipples that you may be dealing with)

Hair was simply tonged, teased and given a little texture with O&M Surf Bombspray

Thank you to our November sponsor:

In collaboration with:

**Why AZMondayMakeovers<strong>? I feel that as a woman in the beauty industry for 23 years and counting that I owe it to you to show honest beauty without retouching.

Our industry does have an element of fantasy, especially when we are using 17-21 year old young ladies in campaigns targeting the 30+ or the body types 000 to US size 6. I will never stop participating in the fantasy side of fashion and beauty but reality isn't so bad either.

Everyone is beautiful - at least on the outside; it's your actions that show you what beauty lies within.

Never be afraid of a colourful palette. The best way to tackle an overwhelming number of colours is to simplify. Decide on your look before jumping in brush first. As you can see - I decided to give Annia an edgy tight-lined eye with dark colours.

</strong>On Annia's cheeks I used a little bit of a Zoeva bronzerinto the cheekbone hollows, along the jawline - essentially any place you want to add sculpture and shape and then lightly buffed the cheeks to blend out the colour a little<strong>

In the eye crease use a medium to light brown colour, more of a neutral shade to create shape. Apply the crease with the eye open looking directly into the mirror which works on most women. Different eye shapes will have a different need for crease placement and as we age our eyes tend to become a little hooded and therefore you need to create a crease. This way of applying the crease also helps with Asian eyes or deep set eyes

For the dramatic tight lining I used a mix of black shadow mixed with a deep shimmery bronze applied with Sigma Beauty Waterline Linerand then filling in the waterline with an eye pencil.

Magnifibres brush on false eyelashes and a black mascara - these fibres really build the lashes -apply a coat of mascara, fibres then another coat of mascara

I applied Bloom's Coy on her lips- I love this because it's a product you can use on your cheeks and your lips -choose a lip liner close to the lip shade you're using

**TIP: As we age our lip line naturally fades so definition is key for a strong lip shape

We chose the final after shot with Annia's own hair loose and down but I wanted you to see how easy it is to play with texture and hair pieces. This is a screen shot but definitely watch the video for more tips!

I used Rahua volumizing spray um... for volume *wink* and O&M Surf Spray for added texture.

-blowout hair with a volumizing spray not only focused on the roots. When you apply a volume enhancing product throughout the hair shaft you get the benefits all over. -spray with a little bit of beach spray which gives the hair a little bit of texture so it's not so flat not so smooth, you want the texture - that's chic -section the hair above the ears towards just below the crown and wrap a piece of hair around the base as if it were a ponytail, adding a couple pins to lock the hair in place -continue to do in as many sections as you would like and feel free to wrap some track hair extensions around the base of each section to give it length and added thickness -I prefer using natural hair versus synthetic hair because synthetic hair doesn't have the same kind of texture, you are limited with synthetics as cannot use heat -synthetic hair also tends to look artificially shiny so it doesn't blend in well when taking photos or frankly, even just in daily life

**TIP: If you don't have the budget for real hair dull down the synthetic hair using dry shampoo, but DON'T attempt to heat style as it will melt.

**Why AZMondayMakeovers? I feel that as a woman in the beauty industry for 23 years and counting that I owe it to you to show honest beauty without retouching.

Our industry does have an element of fantasy especially when we are using 17-21 year old young ladies in campaigns targeting the 30+ or the body types 000 to US size 6. I will never stop participating in the fantasy side of fashion and beauty but reality isn't so bad either.

Everyone is beautiful - at least on the outside; it's your actions that show you what beauty lies within.

Now Vivian's before looks way more frazzled than one would expect. In all fairness she did just arrive after a frantic day of work and errands and we plunked her down without any real warning for her pic. (I don't even think she glanced in a mirror upon arrival) We let her open a bottle of champagne prior to sitting into my beauty chair - hey, we can be nice!

I applied foundation onto Vivian's lips which isn't necessary - and after hearing what Vivian had to say (watch the video) about her lips I wish i hadn't chosen to take them down so much but she still pulls off this look nicely and hey - it's not a lip tattoo. ;)

<strong>For Vivian's hair:

</strong>I blew out Vivian's hair with Marc Anthony bye bye frizz blowout cream, tonged in some waves, pinned one side backand then set the final look with Original Mineral Original Queenie.

**Sure, we could make everyone over all slick and Vogue-y but I don't know anyone who can maintain that daily. Zurina and I wanted to show you - the feminine masses, that you can look great on your own terms without photoshop and scalpels.

Want to participate? Send us an email with your photo and azMondayMakeover in the subject line to me and Z.

I am so excited to bring to you #AZMondayMakeover, an online makeover series where I am collaborating with profile photographer Zurina Bryant.

As the title suggests this is something to look forward to as you are drudging your way to work on a Monday morning (or perhaps a Sunday night for those in other parts of the world).

You can expect a few tips and perhaps a giggle or two (we're shooting video - if you don't see the video at the end of this post click the title to refresh) and of course a before and after.

The photos are not retouched. We didn't want to makeover real women and then D.I them to death.

First up: RynaQue, a lifestyle/beauty plus size blogger. I met Q while doing some collaborations and attending events orchestrated by the fabulous Singapore PR firm Access Communications. Recently turned 21, Q has got a lovely, bubbly personality. Always smiling and happy. She is after all, happy in her skin.

For Q's hair I blew it out with Marc Anthony Curl Envy Strictly Curls cream since her hair is naturally curly it needs a little hydration thus the creamy texture with this product. I know it says for making perfect curls - I also find this product is great for a perfect blowout with bounce. For fine hair opt for the lotion version.

After blowing out her hair I flat ironed it and while the hair was still warm, I popped in Velcro rollers (you can see the glam happening in the video below). Velcro rollers are not used to create curl - it gives the hair a soft feminine texture. I lightly misted the hair in rollers with Kevin Murphy Session Spray. For the final setting spray I used Original Mineral Original Queenie to hold her blowout.

Can you guess the foundation?? FACEatelier in #8!! It really is the bomb dot com. If you are living in Asia you can order it from Luxola and from the rest of world you can use FACeatelier locator here.

The only cake that should be near your face... sorry Q - stalking your Instagram!

After my general foundation application I stippled more on Q's stubborn blemishes with the Beauty Blendersponge - bye bye blemishes! I like the buildable foundation method better then caking on concealer - the skin looks more like skin. (The above pic is later on the same day! Pretty right?!)

I chose to give Q a smoky eye using grey and pewter eyeshadows and a black gel liner using a mash-up of Ben Nye, MAC, Clio, Ardell and Revlon.

This is RynaQue's own dress. I believe she got it from ASOS where women globally love to shop. Jewelry provided by Killari

UPDATE!! Although like every woman RynaQue has success at ASOS this dress she is wearing is actually by FLOW. FLOW is a line under the Valiram Group, Malaysia. Recently it made its debut in Singapore at a pop-up site at ISETAN Scotts last month. It's only available online now for ladies staying in Singapore.

**Musical side note: I have tried adding music to our time-lapse but alas - YouTube then restricts the videos to be played via mobiles now. le sigh I originally had tried editing with the empowering song Big Girls (you are beautiful) by Mika; then Q's request Happy in my skin by Philippa Hannaand then my friend Sarah Slean'svintage yet beautiful song Sweet Ones - all of these songs I have actually paid for. When I watch videos on YouTube whereas I like the music I buy it. I don't download - maybe I am not the norm but I can't steal which is what downloading illegally is. The naive person in me thinks: What the hell YouTube!! You are taking possibilities away from people buying and discovering new music... am I wrong?

If you can't screen cap a barefaced friend who can you screen cap?? TV host Linda Black is no stranger to baring it all for the public, in fact she encourages you to do the same; nothing like a makeup hiatus at least one day a week to give your skin a little breather.

Lash Cards! These fabuLASH dohickeys are great for a clean mascara application. I got these to test drive in my recent <a target="_blank" href="https://bellabox.sg/"><strong>Bella Box.

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</strong>Ready for a little beauty time lapse? [There should be a video here. If by chance you don't see it, click on the blog title again; there seems to be an onsugar hiccup...]<strong>

</strong>And yet another screen crab grab - I kid. No crab - just a big tease!<strong>

</strong>See how happy I make people? Or maybe she's just a little cray cray.<strong>..

Motherhood magazine asked me what I thought would be a fun story for their April issue themed music -of course a little playtime for mom with the help ofLinda Black and photographer Zurina Bryant!</p>
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<p>*You can click on the images for a closer look of what hair and makeup products I used, plus a few tips. </p>

Linda's hair colour I do using Original Mineral which is free from ammonia, ppd and resorcinol!! Ask your stylist to use a more eco-friendly and human-friendly hair colour like Original Mineral.

Apologies to O&M who emailed me saying that Rootilicious should be corrected to Rootalicious- hopefully sales weren't affected too much by confused buyers.

<p>Notice the Face LaceI used in the Rock'n'Roll Mom? I am LOVING this cool makeup applique!A behind the scenes video can be found here.